Sony confirms 4K HDR UHD availability

February 16, 2016

Sony Electronics has confirmed the presale for its newest line-up of 4K HDR Ultra HD televisions, the XBR-X850D and the XBR-X930D/XBR-X940D series, with exclusive Sony picture enhancing technologies. According to Sony, the sets deliver a better 4K and HDR viewing experience as well as near 4K HDR Ultra HD quality up-converted from HD sources.

“This new line-up of 4K HDR Ultra HD televisions is proof of our continuing commitment to deliver a premium 4K HDR experience to our customers. With the development of 4K HDR shooting, editing, recording, storage, playback, transmission and display technologies, Sony understands 4K HDR like no other company,” said Sunil Nayyar, Director of Product Marketing, TV and Projectors, North America. “Sony TVs provide superior picture quality no matter what content is being viewed, but these new televisions really shine when displaying 4K and HDR content.”

These new TVs, as well as current shipping Sony televisions that are capable of fully taking advantage of HDR content, will be branded with Sony’s ‘4K HDR Ultra HD’” logo. This logo is used across Sony’s 4K HDR compatible products and services. Logoed televisions meet the Consumer Technology Association’s (CTA) HDR definition and support compelling next-generation visual experiences.

The sets support Google’s Android TV operating system, making it even easier to watch broadcast and cable TV, stream video, download entertainment, or use as a gaming device. Android TV brings the world’s most popular mobile platform to Sony’s TVs, providing a tailored and intuitive entertainment experience. TV lovers can watch hit shows and timeless movies from Google Play, Amazon Video, YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, PBS and PBS KIDS. Users can also access a huge selection of games and additional apps from the Google Play store right on the TV. Additional popular apps available via Android TV include HBO NOW, EPIX, Starz Play, iHeartRadio, Fusion, PlutoTV and Vevo.

In addition, Android TV’s Voice Search feature has been enhanced to support natural language voice actions and longer, more complex sentences. And with Google Cast, users can cast their favourite entertainment apps such as HBO GO from their Android or iOS device, Mac or Windows computer or Chromebook to the TV.

The new X850D and the X930D/X940D series will support ULTRA, an app from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment to be launched this year in the US. With ULTRA, consumers can purchase and stream 4K HDR movies and TV shows – the best new and classic titles from the 4K digital library of Sony Pictures – directly on their Sony 4K HDR Ultra HD TV.

HDR content is also available on Amazon Video, the first video provider to offer titles in HDR. Amazon Original Series HDR content includes the most-streamed Amazon original show ever, The Man in the High Castle, and Golden Globe winning series Transparent and Mozart in the Jungle, as well as movies including After Earth, Fury, Salt, Elysium and more. Netflix was the first to roll out 4K content to the mainstream market and has made a commitment to providing HDR content to its subscribers as well.

The X850D and X930D/X940D 4K HDR Ultra HD TVs are available for pre-sale today, and will be on-sale in March at Amazon, BestBuy.com and other authorised dealers nationwide.